Castro Restaurant News

On a budget? We’ve got you covered. These seven Castro District eateries will make your mouth water — without burning a hole in your wallet.

1. Kasa Indian Eatery

[Photo: Kasa]

“Honoring simple, homestyle Indian food at reasonable prices using natural and local ingredients.”

Head over to Kasa and pick up one of their famous kati rolls for a mere $4.50. This classic Indian street food is flaky, buttery handmade bread (roti) wrapped around your choice of one of their delicious dishes, including chicken tikka masala, lamb curry or aloo jeera (cumin-spiced sautéed potatoes). Each roll comes with raita (yogurt) and you can add a side of rice for just $2!

2. Red Jade Restaurant

Red Jade is famous for authentic Mandarin style Chinese food. Head over during lunch (or early dinner) and you’ll get most entrées, like their Mongolian beef, spicy salted spare ribs or seafood noodle soup, for under $7. Lunch specials run from 11AM-5AM.

4. Queen Malika Café

[Photo by Yelp user: Robert Q.]

Would you like a crepe or two — or three? However many crepes you can eat in one sitting (we won’t tell), Queen Malika has got what you need for a great price. Most of the crepes here, including the avocado and tomato, and the smoked turkey, sautéed mushrooms and egg, are around $7 (give or take a quarter).

5. El Castillito

[Photo by Yelp user: David G.]

What’s better than a super-sized burrito with all the fixings? A super-sized burrito that’s under $7. At El Castillito you can get your classic “regular” burrito with rice, beans, salsa, onions, cilantro and your choice of meat for less than $5 — and if you want to go the extra mile with cheese, avocado and sour cream, then you’re still under budget at a cool $6.50. If you’re a taco, quesadilla or torta type of person — they’ve got that, too!

6. Thorough Bread & Pastry

[Photo by Yelp user: Emily C.]

Get all things sweet and savory at Thorough Bread & Pastry! Inspired by the cafés in Europe, this is your one-stop shop for muffins, scones, cakes, cookies, croissants and artisan breads. Most of their handmade-from-scratch creations range from $2 to $5 — but we don’t blame you if you go overboard. (Be sure to try their rainbow-flag-inspired “Castro” cookie!)

7. Nizario’s Pizza

[Photo by Yelp user: Corey P.]

This list would not be complete without the perfect slice of pizza. Not only is Nizario’s open until 2AM (when most pizza cravings strike), but you have the luxury of ordering just one (quite large) slice for around $3 to $5. Be sure to try the Castro special (spinach, feta cheese, pesto and chicken)!